Dislocation analysis of a complex sub-grain boundary using accurate electron channeling contrast imaging in a scanning electron microscope

International audienceIn this work, accurate electron channelling contrast imaging (A-ECCI) assisted by high resolution selected area channelling patterns (HR-SACP) was used to characterize the structure of a complex low sub-grain boundary in a creep deformed uranium dioxide (UO$_2$) ceramic. The dislocations were characterized using TEM-style g·b = 0 and g·b × u = 0 contrast criteria. Misorientations across the boundary were measured using HR-SACPs with 0.04° precision and high accuracy EBSD. The boundary was determined to be asymmetric and mixed in nature, composed of two distinct regions with different dislocation morphologies and a misorientation below 0.5°. The A-ECCI, HR-SACP, and HR-EBSD results are consistent, confirming A-ECCI as a powerful tool for characterizing even complex dislocations structures using scanning electron microscopy. This is particularly true for UO$_2$, since this material is very difficult to thin, which makes TEM examination of sub-boundaries over the scale of several micrometers difficult. Furthermore, in this study, the change in dislocations arrangement along the breath of the complex low angle sub-grain boundary is related to the misorientation across the boundary

A systematic review of frameworks for the interrelationships of mental health evidence and policy in low- and middle-income countries

Background: The interrelationships between research evidence and policy-making are complex. Different theoretical frameworks exist to explain general evidence–policy interactions. One largely unexplored element of these interrelationships is how evidence interrelates with, and influences, policy/political agenda-setting. This review aims to identify the elements and processes of theories, frameworks and models on interrelationships of research evidence and health policy-making, with a focus on actionability and agenda-setting in the context of mental health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: A systematic review of theories was conducted based on the BeHeMOTh search method, using a tested and refined search strategy. Nine electronic databases and other relevant sources were searched for peer-reviewed and grey literature. Two reviewers screened the abstracts, reviewed full-text articles, extracted data and performed quality assessments. Analysis was based on a thematic analysis. The included papers had to present an actionable theoretical framework/model on evidence and policy interrelationships, such as knowledge translation or evidence-based policy, specifically target the agenda-setting process, focus on mental health, be from LMICs and published in English. Results: From 236 publications included in the full text analysis, no studies fully complied with our inclusion criteria. Widening the focus by leaving out ‘agenda-setting’, we included ten studies, four of which had unique conceptual frameworks focusing on mental health and LMICs but not agenda-setting. The four analysed frameworks confirmed research gaps from LMICs and mental health, and a lack of focus on agenda-setting. Frameworks and models from other health and policy areas provide interesting conceptual approaches and lessons with regards to agenda-setting. Conclusion: Our systematic review identified frameworks on evidence and policy interrelations that differ in their elements and processes. No framework fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Four actionable frameworks are applicable to mental health and LMICs, but none specifically target agenda-setting. We have identified agenda-setting as a research theory gap in the context of mental health knowledge translation in LMICs. Frameworks from other health/policy areas could offer lessons on agenda-setting and new approaches for creating policy impact for mental health and to tackle the translational gap in LMICs

Studies in Capparaceae XXII. Capparis sclerophylla, a novelty from arid coastal Peru and Ecuador

Volume: 15Start Page: 429End Page: 43

Studies in the Capparaceae XXVI. Capparis bonifaziana, a new species and western ecuadorian sister to the mostly amazonian C. macrophylla

Volume: 15Start Page: 393End Page: 40

Caractérisation d'agglomérats de dioxyde d'uranium par nano-indentation in-situ contexte et problématique

International audienc

Dislocation analysis of a complex sub-grain boundary in UO2 ceramic using accurate electron channelling contrast imaging in a scanning electron microscope

International audienceIn this work, accurate electron channelling contrast imaging (A-ECCI) assisted by high resolution selected area channelling patterns (HR-SACP) was used to characterize the structure of a complex low sub-grain boundary in a creep deformed uranium dioxide (UO$_2$) ceramic. The dislocations were characterized using TEM-style g·b = 0 and g·b × u = 0 contrast criteria. Misorientations across the boundary were measured using HR-SACPs with 0.04° precision and high accuracy EBSD. The boundary was determined to be asymmetric and mixed in nature, composed of two distinct regions with different dislocation morphologies and a misorientation below 0.5°. The A-ECCI, HR-SACP, and HR-EBSD results are consistent, confirming A-ECCI as a powerful tool for characterizing even complex dislocations structures using scanning electron microscopy. This is particularly true for UO$_2$, since this material is very difficult to thin, which makes TEM examination of sub-boundaries over the scale of several micrometers difficult. Furthermore, in this study, the change in dislocations arrangement along the breath of the complex low angle sub-grain boundary is related to the misorientation across the boundary

Microstructural evolution of uranium dioxide following compression creep tests: An EBSD and image analysis study

International audienceSintered UO2 pellets with relatively large grains (similar to 25 pm) are tested at 1500 degrees C under a compressive stress of 50 MPa, at different deformation levels up to 12%. Electron Back Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) is used to follow the evolution, with deformation, of grains (size, shape, orientation) and sub-grains. Image analyses of SEM images are performed to characterize emergence of a population of micron size voids. For the considered microstructure and test conditions, the results show that the deformation process of UO2 globally corresponds to grain boundary sliding, partly accommodated by a dislocational creep within the grains, leading to a highly sub-structured state

Short communication: Spark plasma sintering as an innovative process for nuclear fuel plate manufacturing

International audienceIn this paper, we propose an alternative process based on spark plasma sintering for the manufacture of nuclear fuel plates for research reactors. This process presents significant flexibility to control manufacturing parameters such as fuel meat geometry and porosity according to the designer specifications. Furthermore, it allows to increase uranium loading up to 7.3 gU cm−3, exceeding the current requirements for high performance MTRs. With this process neither dogbone, fishtail nor sharp particles penetrating the cladding are observed. The potentialities of this approach are illustrated with the manufacturing of a high loaded (5.6 gU cm−3) U3Si2/Al mini-plate. © 202